Programme Director,
Honourable Deputy Minister Dr Mimmie Gondwe,
Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi,
Distinguished representatives from the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders,
Leadership from Old Mutual,
Leadership from Higher Health,
Leadership from SALGA,
Facilitators of Adult Literacy Education
Learners
Colleagues
Ladies and gentlemen,
All protocol observed.
Good morning.
It is a privilege to join the Honourable Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe and all partners represented here today, at Lovedale TVET College for the launch of this important Literacy-for-Empowerment Campaign under the theme “Empowering Communities Through Literacy for Inclusive Development.” This gathering reflects a powerful collaboration between government, industry, and social partners committed to advancing literacy as a cornerstone of development.
Allow me to acknowledge the leadership of the Department of Higher Education and Training, and in particular the role played by the Honourable Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, whose participation in the MQA’s International Literacy Day event inspired and guided our involvement in this national initiative. We are honoured to answer that call today.
Programme Director, today’s programme demonstrates a shared national commitment. From the welcome remarks by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, to the contributions from Old Mutual on financial literacy, Higher Health on civic and soft skills, and SALGA on local government capacity—this is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral response to literacy challenges in our country.
Ladies and gentlemen, literacy remains one of South Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges. While progress has been made, millions of adults in our country still experience low NALEC Lovedale TVET EC / 12 May 2026 – CS & Comm Unit – Contact: Merle Clark or Baitse Mokiti Page 3 of 3 levels of functional literacy. This limits access to employment, restricts participation in the economy, and undermines social inclusion.
In the mining sector, where the legacy of inequality is deeply rooted, these challenges are particularly evident. As the Mining Qualifications Authority, we have taken deliberate steps to address this through targeted Adult Education and Training programmes. These initiatives focus on improving foundational reading, writing, and numeracy skills among mineworkers—skills that are essential not only for workplace competence, but for personal empowerment and dignity.
To date, the MQA has supported thousands of learners across mining communities through literacy and numeracy programmes. These interventions create pathways into further education and skills development, enabling workers to progress into higher-level occupational roles.
However, our responsibility extends beyond learners alone. We recognise the critical role played by facilitators—the educators who deliver these programmes on the ground. For this reason, the MQA invests significantly in the training and development of facilitators, ensuring they are equipped with modern teaching methodologies, relevant resources, and ongoing professional support. Strengthening facilitator capacity is essential to achieving sustainable literacy outcomes.
Our approach is therefore holistic: empowering learners while simultaneously strengthening the system that supports them.
We are encouraged by partnerships such as those reflected in today’s programme.
Collaboration with institutions like Lovedale TVET College, alongside stakeholders in government and the private sector, allows us to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
To the learners gathered here today: your presence is a testament to your commitment to growth and self-improvement. Literacy opens doors—not only to employment, but to confidence, independence, and opportunity.
To the facilitators: your work is transformative. You are shaping futures, building confidence, and enabling change at the most fundamental level.
And to all partners represented here today: let us continue to work together with urgency and purpose. The fight against illiteracy is not the responsibility of one institution—it is a collective national imperative.
In closing, the MQA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to reducing literacy levels in South Africa, particularly within the mining sector. We will continue to invest in programmes that empower individuals, support educators, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic development.
I thank you.